An overall ICT policy is important for Norway - digi.no

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COMMENT: The European countries have seen the need to use ICT as a competitive advantage in an otherwise challenging economy. When we see that 50 percent of productivity growth in Europe can be attributed to the use of ICT and the Internet, it is perhaps not surprising. Also Norway must exploit the potential of digital more than today. To put it this way: Where Internet and digital services, and a market for it, there is growth.

Did you know that the ICT industry in Norway is greater than fisheries and agriculture together when it comes to employment? The industry is highly productive and make up about five percent of total GDP in mainland Norway. While ICT is included in all other industries and sectors.

It may not be many who think that the way we acquire and make use of the Internet and digital services are the result of, or dependent on a policy. Essentially, this is a trend that runs itself, the interaction between technology, market and users. But we must ensure that Norway as society sees opportunities. The Government will ensure that we use ICT in a way that makes us a leading digital knowledge society.

market makes the most important part of the job. This applies to everything from developing good broadband solutions or producing digital services that we did not know we needed. Meanwhile, the government’s role to ensure that the market works best. That there is healthy competition and scarce resources, such as frequencies for mobile broadband is used in a way that provides the most benefit of the community. We must take action where markets are insufficient.

It is a political responsibility to facilitate the population is well placed to adopt and to request digital services. It is also our job it is enough to know that Norway can develop and create new digital services and businesses.

The government is concerned that Norway should exploit the opportunities ICT and the internet provides for the creation and growth:

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• We must work for a Norway online; sufficient digital skills that ensure digital participation for all, and a good broadband service.
• We must facilitate and support a digital revolution in key sectors, including healthcare, business and the public sector.
• We need a foundation for the digital growth, in terms of advanced ICT skills, in all subject areas. And we need more technical expertise.

ICT is included in all processes and all sectors. The increased productivity, increased welfare and quality of life. The same applies to ICT policy. Digital patient records are both health policy and ICT policy. Updated copyright is both cultural and ICT policy. Smart meters in all Norwegian house is both energy policy and ICT policy. The examples are many.

It is positive that the entire industry committee supports the main message and direction and recognizes ICT sector’s role in our economy.

I am also glad that nutrient release, which was presented on Friday, embraces the most important measures of the White Paper Digital Agenda. The ICT industry is lifted up as a priority area of ??industrial policy is to confirm the importance of ICT for the whole community, so we also emphasize the message that Parliament will debate today

I look me to embark on the implementation of the Digital Agenda. Along with digitization program, which I presented last year, this is the main base for further work. Last week Parliament adopted amendments to the Public Administration. The amendment makes digital communication with citizens and businesses to rule. This is digital first in practice, or a small digital quantum leap for the public sector. And more to come.

I do not think it has been so wide commitment to ICT policy of a government as it is now. I note also great commitment from the ICT industry, businesses, municipalities, academia, civil society and other actors – without you stopping the Digital Norway.

ICT policy is a policy that cuts across sectors and lines of responsibility and that is an important part of almost all other policy areas – therefore it is very important to take a comprehensive approach to it – it is the Parliament today will decide.

Rigmor Aasrud ??(ap) is Minister of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs.

See also:

• [07.06.2013] Giske focusing on IT
• [22/04/2013] sparse under IT consultation
• [22/03/2013] Here is Norway’s digital agenda
• [22/03/2013] Shall lure all up in the cloud

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